The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved on July 6, 2026, the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges Plan for Fiscal Years 2027 to 2031.
The updated five-year plan includes nearly $950 million in scheduled upgrades to off-system county roads and bridges — those that are maintained by counties rather than the Oklahoma Department of Transportation— across all 77 Oklahoma counties.
Included in the plan is a more than $20 million project supported by Competitive Highway Bridge Program grant funds to reconstruct the Belford Bridge over the Arkansas River in Pawnee County, as well as two other bridges.
Established by the Oklahoma Legislature and administered by ODOT, the CIRB Plan targets aging and deficient county infrastructure. Over the next five years, the updated plan aims to replace or rehabilitate 238 county bridges, including 105 structures classified as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete and improves 808 mi. of county roadways.
"ODOT is proud to partner with county commissioners to deliver infrastructure improvements that make a lasting difference in communities across Oklahoma," Transportation Secretary and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz said. "With the continued support of the Transportation Commission and the Legislature, these investments will improve safety, enhance mobility and strengthen county road and bridge infrastructure for generations to come."
The CIRB Plan is a collaborative effort involving county governments and the state's eight Circuit Engineering Districts. Projects are prioritized based on need, and funding is coordinated through a mix of state, federal, local and tribal sources. The cooperative structure also allows counties to pool resources for large-scale improvements that would be difficult to fund independently.
Since the CIRB Plan began in 2006, it has played a vital role in upgrading the condition and safety of Oklahoma's county road system. The plan is reviewed and updated annually to reflect changing needs and funding availability.
Highlights in the 2027–2031 plan include:
Oklahoma County: A nearly $2 million project will continue to pave Luther Road from 36th Street to 50th Street.
Garfield County: A nearly $5 million project to reconstruct eight miles of Imo Road from U.S. 412 to E. Wood Road.
Marshall County: A $3.5 million project to improve Texoma Park Road just west of the Roosevelt Bridge.
Jackson County: A $5 million project to incorporate Ridgecrest Road into the city of Altus' Economic Development Loop.
Sequoyah and Cherokee counties: A $6.5 million project to improve Indian Road between State Highway 10A and S. Burnt Cabin Road.
Carter County: A $10 million project to improve Newport Road near Lone Grove, this project includes Congressionally Directed Spending funds.
Pottawatomie County: A more than $5 million project to improve Moccasin Trail Road between Econtuchka Road and North-South 3530, this project includes Congressionally Directed Spending funds.
Cimarron County: A $4.5 million project to rehabilitate a bridge over the Beaver River near Felt, this project includes Congressionally Directed Spending funds. ♣
